caution:

This product contains components that can be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD). To reduce the chance of ESD damage, work over a noncarpeted floor, use a static dissipative work surface (such as a conductive foam pad), and wear an ESD wrist strap connected to a grounded surface.

note:

HP provides basic support for software that comes with the computer. For in-depth feature assistance, refer to the help section in the software or on the software vendor's Web site.

Remove the side panel from the computer and inspect the system fan configuration as follows:

Unplug all cables from the computer (note the location of each cable for easier reassembly).

Remove the side panel retaining screws. There are usually one or two screws on the back of the left side.

Slide the panel off to expose the inside of the PC.

Look at the processor to determine if it has a fan or not.

If the computer does not have a CPU fan, skip to step 6.

Check the following:

Make sure the fan power cable is connected firmly to the motherboard.

Check for any objects that might stop the fan.

With the power off and the power cable disconnected, gently spin the fan with your fingers to make sure the fan is not stuck. If the fan blades do not move or resist movement, replace the fan.

Leave the side panel open, connect the power cable, and turn on the computer.

warning:

Make sure nothing enters inside the computer case while it is operating. Do not perform this step while children or pets are nearby.

Look inside to make sure the fan is spinning and is not making noise.

If the fan is not working or is making a loud noise, the fan should be replaced. System fan replacement instructions may exist for your computer model. To find instructions, search for "[computer model number] replace fan."

If the fan spins and is not making noise, turn the computer off by pressing the power button on the front of the computer for 5 seconds.

Replace the side panel, and reconnect keyboard, mouse and monitor cables.

Turn on the computer.

If your computer was built in 2006 or later (Windows 7 or Vista), immediately press the F10 key. You might need to press the key repeatedly, about once every second, until a BIOS Setup utility screen opens.

If your computer was built before 2006 (Windows XP or earlier), immediately press the F1 key.

Use the left and right arrow keys to select Advanced menu.

Use the up and down arrow keys to select Hardware Monitor, and press Enter.

If the error is not resolved, the fan should be replaced. System fan replacement instructions may exist for your computer model. To find instructions, type the following into the Question or keywords field at the top of this page and then press Enter:

[computer model number] replace fan

Select CPU Fan Check and press Enter.

Use the following list to determine the CPU Fan Check value for your computer configuration:

Active heat sink; cooling fins directly on processor with a fan sitting on top of the fins.

hardware monitor/CPU fan check = ENABLED

Passive heat sink; cooling fins on processor without a fan directly on top.

hardware monitor/CPU fan check = DISABLED

Fan duct leading to a fan sitting on or directly over the processor cooling fins.

hardware monitor/system fan check = ENABLED

Fan duct without any fan

hardware monitor/system fan check = DISABLED

If the value is different than what is currently set, change the value as follows:

Select CPU Fan Check and press Enter.

Select the correct value (ENABLED or DISABLED) and press Enter.

Save the settings and exit.
The computer restarts.

If the error is not resolved, the fan should be replaced. System fan replacement instructions may exist for your computer model. To find instructions, type the following into the Question or keywords field at the top of this page and then press Enter:

If the fan failure error appears immediately after downloading and installing a BIOS update, use the following steps to download and install an updated BIOS from HP:

caution:

Do not attempt these steps if the processor fan is not working properly (not spinning or is unusually noisy). Doing so could cause heat related damage to the central processing unit.

Turn on the computer.

If your computer was built in 2006 or later (Windows 7 or Vista), immediately press the F10 key. You might need to press the key repeatedly, about once every second, until a BIOS Setup utility screen opens.

If your computer was built before 2006 (Windows XP or earlier), immediately press the F1 key.

Use the left and right arrow keys to select Advanced menu.

Use the up and down arrow keys to select Hardware Monitor, and press Enter.

note:

If the BIOS menu does not have a Hardware Monitor or CPU Fan Check option, download and install the BIOS update from HP again. For more information, refer to the HP support document Updating the BIOS.

Select CPU Fan Check and press Enter.

Select Disabled and then press Enter

Press the Down Arrow key to select System fan check and then press Enter.

Select Disabled and then press Enter

Save the settings and exit.
The computer restarts.

Once the Windows desktop opens, download and install the BIOS update from HP again. For more information, refer to the HP support document Updating the BIOS.